Lawrence, KS vs Watertown, SD
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Lawrence
70.4
#1103 nationally
Watertown
74.5
#590 nationally
Watertown leads in crime level (8.3 vs 12.6). Watertown leads in average commute (13.6 min vs 19.3 min). Lawrence leads in walk score (41 vs 36).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Lawrence, KS | Watertown, SD |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 70.4 (#1103) | 74.5 (#590) |
| Population | 96,207 | 23,230 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $340,158 | $316,022 |
| Median Household Income | $59,834 | $61,320 |
| Average Commute | 19.3 min | 13.6 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 36 |
| Crime Level | 12.6 | 8.3 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+38.0 | R+40.8 |
C-
70.4 Score
Lawrence, KS
Kansas community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$340,158
Population
96,207
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
41
Midwest
View Lawrence, KS →
C
74.5 Score
Watertown, SD
Small South Dakota city with local appeal
Median Home
$316,022
Population
23,230
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
36
Midwest
View Watertown, SD →